How does USMilitaryMoves work?

USMilitaryMoves connects military families with verified veteran and military-spouse real estate agents. Families browse agents for free, submit referrals, and get matched with agents who understand VA loans, BAH, and PCS timelines. The platform is completely free, no fees, no commissions, no catch.

Is USMilitaryMoves free for military families?

Yes, completely free for military families and for agents. There are no fees, no subscriptions, no commissions, and no obligations. This platform exists solely to serve the military community.

What is BAH and how is it calculated?

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly tax-free housing stipend paid to service members who live off base. It is calculated based on three factors: your paygrade (rank), your duty station zip code, and whether you have dependents. BAH is set annually by the Department of Defense and is designed to cover median housing costs in each local market. Use the free BAH Calculator at usmilitarymoves.com/bah-calculator to look up rates by rank and installation.

What is a VA loan and can I use it more than once?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key benefits include no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates, and no prepayment penalties. Yes, you can use your VA loan benefit multiple times as long as you have remaining entitlement or have paid off and restored a previous VA loan.

What is PCS and how long does a PCS move take to plan?

PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military's process of ordering a service member to relocate to a new duty assignment. Ideally, PCS planning begins 6 months before your report date. Key milestones include receiving orders, submitting housing applications, completing a house-hunting trip, locking in housing, coordinating TMO or DITY move logistics, and in-processing at the gaining unit. Use the free PCS Mission Planner at usmilitarymoves.com/pcs-planner to generate a personalized T-minus timeline.

How do I find a military-friendly real estate agent at my new duty station?

Browse our verified agent directory at usmilitarymoves.com/agents. Every agent in the network has been identity-verified as a veteran or military spouse. You can filter by state, installation, branch of service, and VA loan experience. Each agent profile shows their military background, transaction history, and reviews from military families they have served.

What military installations have base guides on USMilitaryMoves?

USMilitaryMoves publishes comprehensive PCS guides for major military installations including Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) NC, Camp Pendleton CA, Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA, Fort Campbell KY, Joint Base San Antonio TX, Naval Station Norfolk VA, Joint Base Charleston SC, Fort Carson CO, and MacDill AFB FL. Each guide covers neighborhoods, school ratings, BAH rates, housing intel, commute tips, and insider advice from military families. Find all base guides at usmilitarymoves.com/bases.

What is the difference between a DITY move and a government move (TMO)?

A government move (TMO or Transportation Management Office move) means the military contracts and pays movers to pack and transport your household goods. A DITY move (Do-It-Yourself, now called PPM, Personally Procured Move) means you move your own belongings and the military reimburses you based on the weight you move. A hybrid move combines both: the government ships large items and you move the rest for additional reimbursement. DITY moves can result in profit if you move efficiently, but require more planning and effort.

Can military families use their BAH to pay a mortgage?

Yes, many military families use their BAH allowance to cover their mortgage payment. With a VA loan, you can purchase a home with zero down payment and no PMI, which often results in a monthly payment comparable to or lower than local rents. A verified military real estate agent can help you determine whether your BAH will cover a mortgage payment in your new duty station market.

Who can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves?

Anyone can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves, no real estate license required. Military family members, command spouse leaders, chaplains, VA loan officers, out-of-area agents, and community members are all eligible. It's free to submit and free for the family. Submit a referral at usmilitarymoves.com/refer.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam · Pearl City, Hawaii

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is the headquarters of the Pacific Fleet and one of the most historically significant military installations in the United States. Located on Oahu, the base combines the former Pearl Harbor Naval Complex and Hickam Air Force Base. While the cost of living is extremely high, Hawaii offers a once-in-a-career lifestyle of beaches, mountains, and culture.

Neighborhoods

Ewa Beach

Suburban

$2,800 to $3,500/mo

Fastest-growing area on Oahu west of Pearl Harbor. Newer construction, military-friendly community, and about 15 to 20 minutes to the main gate.

Pearl City

Suburban

$2,500 to $3,200/mo

Adjacent to the base on Pearl Harbor's eastern shore. Established neighborhoods with easy access. Pearlridge mall is nearby for shopping.

Aiea

Suburban

$2,400 to $3,000/mo

Centrally located community between Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. Older housing stock, good access to H-1 freeway, and close to Pearlridge and Aloha Stadium area.

Kapolei

Suburban

$2,800 to $3,600/mo

Oahu's "second city" in the west with newer planned communities, good schools, beaches, and Ko Olina resort area nearby. Growing rapidly.

Schools

Pearl City High School

Grades 9-12

Hawaii DOE school directly serving the Pearl City and base community with solid academics.

Ewa Makai Middle School

Grades 6-8

Newer school in the growing Ewa Beach community serving the large military family population.

Kapolei High School

Grades 9-12

Well-regarded west Oahu high school in the growing Kapolei corridor.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

Lincoln Military Housing manages both Pearl Harbor and Hickam areas. Demand is extremely high. Apply immediately upon receiving orders.

Off-Post Rental Market

Hawaii has some of the highest housing costs in the nation. BAH is substantial but the market is competitive. Many families in E1-E5 find it tight.

Commute

Pearl City and Aiea are 5 to 10 minutes from the main gate. Ewa Beach is 15 to 20 minutes via H-1. Kapolei is 20 to 25 minutes. Honolulu commuters should budget 30 to 45 minutes. H-1 traffic toward Honolulu is notorious in the morning.

Installation Highlights

Headquarters of the Pacific Fleet, a career-defining assignment for many sailors and officers
World-famous Pearl Harbor historical sites including the USS Arizona Memorial
Year-round tropical climate with access to some of the world's best beaches
Diverse Oahu communities blending Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Islander culture
Outdoor recreation from surfing the North Shore to hiking the Ko'olau Mountains

Insider Tips

Apply for on-base housing the moment orders are in hand. Wait lists can be long and off-base costs are extreme.

Take every opportunity to explore Hawaii's natural beauty. You may only get one assignment here in a career.

Shipping your car to Hawaii is expensive. Many families bring one car and buy a cheap island beater for daily use.

The cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Hawaii helps offset the high prices but budget carefully for groceries, which are much more expensive than the mainland.